The latest TV Guide Magazine features an article that covers the behind-the-scenes scoop on the 42 new shows for television this fall.
At first I thought that there were no Black actors or actresses featured in their 2011 Fall Class Photo. But after further inspection, I spotted the lovely and talented Maya Rudolph who stars in “Up All Night.” Also featured were her co-stars Christina Applegate and Will Arnett. Which made me wonder why Naturi Naughton (NBC’s “The Playboy Club”), and Taraji P. Henson (CBS’ “Person of Interest”) were not in the photo, not to mention other Black and ethnic Americans.
Oversight? Or maybe they just couldn’t squeeze out time in their busy schedules to attend the photo shoot.
Many of these new shows will not last the full season, because they won’t garner the audiences necessary to sustain their numbers, but here are a list of New television shows that feature Black and other ethnic actors in co-starring roles that may peak your interest.
Monday night on CBS “2 Broke Girls” funny man Garret Morris stars as Earl; not really clear if this is a recurring role, but it’s nice to see him working.
Fox offers up “Terra Nova” this forward-thinking show will feature a number of ethnic actors and actresses.
NBC’s “The Playboy Club” stars Naturi Naughton who aspires to be Playboy’s first Black centerfold, and then there is CW’s “Heart of Dixie” starring Cress Williams.
Tuesday nights begins with funny man Tim Allen in ABC’s “Last Man Standing” which also stars Hector Elizondo whose class and style always comes through no matter what he plays.
Next on ABC is “Man Up!” starring handsome Henry Simmons who will no doubt teach three fathers how to be manly men.
Fox offers up “New Girl” starring the quirky Zooey Deschanel, one of her male roommates, Winston is played by Lamorne Morris, there are high hopes for this show.
Wednesday ABC airs “Suburgatory” where a teenager moves from city living to the suburbs, Maestro Harrell stars as her new friend, Malik, lots of adjusting and drama to look forward to.
Fox brings us “I Hate My Teenage Daughter.” Imagine you raise kids who turn out to be like the ones that bullied you in high School. Chad Coleman and Aisha Dee star.
Nick Cannon joins Maya Rudolph on the NBC comedy “Up All Night.” Rudolph stars as a talk show hostess who needs a lot of support from new parent Christina Applegate. Cannon is her “sidekick.”
Thursday ABC kicks off the action with “Charlie’s Angels” and there is a Black angel, Annie Ilonzeh, and this Texas girl has broken new ground.
CBS brings actor James Caviezel (“The Passion of Christ”) to the little screen, what better co-star than Taraji P. Henson in “Person of Interest.”
NBC’s “Prime Suspect” is the story of a female detective working in a tough male dominated New York precinct, without a doubt Black and ethnic characters will emerge.
And the CW offers “The Secret Circle,” the story of high school witchery and the new girl. Logan Browning co-stars.
On Fridays CBS’s “A Gifted Man” will give us a look at life as seen from the ‘here-after.’ Look for multi-ethnic casting.
NBC gives us a fresh new look at the Brother’s Grimm Fairy Tales, Russell Hornsby stars as a detective whose partner is a descendent of the Grimm family, and sees criminals for what they really are. Hornsby must learn to trust him.
Sunday ABC offers more fairy tale lore with “Once Upon a Time” and the always reliable star Giancarlo Esposito will add his magic touch to this mystical offering.
Please check your local listings for premiere dates and times. Go to www.tvguide.com for more information.
Gail can be reached hollywoodbychoice_gail@yahoo.com.
